Trailer Theft: Prevention, Awareness, Recovery

Stolen Horse International Assists With Recovery of All Equine-Related Theft
Including Trailers, Tack, Equipment, and Business Assets

Equine theft does not always involve a horse. In many cases, the loss of essential equipment can be just as devastating to an owner or business — a reality Stolen Horse International sees far too often.

Last summer, a small business owner invested in a horse trailer to support her growing equine-related business. After attending only two events, the trailer was stolen in the early morning hours on November 26, the day before Thanksgiving.

The theft occurred while the owner and her husband were home. Despite multiple security measures — including a locked hitch and tire blocks — the thieves forcibly broke the hitch lock, tossed aside the blocks, and drove away with the trailer without being detected.

Inside the trailer was the heart of her business: clothing racks, display fixtures, handmade apparel, books, toys, blankets, and other inventory carefully prepared for upcoming events. The trailer had been fully outfitted to serve as a mobile storefront, representing months of planning, work, and financial investment.

In the weeks following the theft, the owner shared information across social media, contacted local pages, and even offered a reward in hopes the trailer or its contents would be recovered. Despite these efforts, no leads emerged. Theft in the area, according to the owner, has become increasingly common, with criminals showing little hesitation to take property directly from private residences.

Holding onto hope that the trailer might still be found, the owner delayed fundraising efforts. Eventually, recognizing the need to rebuild, she launched a GoFundMe campaign to help replace the stolen equipment and inventory so she can resume operations in time for a scheduled business event at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

Local law enforcement has confirmed that the trailer has not been recovered.

Note for Horse Trailer Owners

While the trailer in this story was not used to transport horses, many horse trailers serve as mobile businesses at shows and events, carrying tack, supplies, and inventory. This makes them just as vulnerable to theft. Owners should take extra precautions, know where their VIN numbers are located, and implement security measures to protect their trailers, inventory, and livelihoods. Prevention and preparedness are key to minimizing risk.

What Often Happens to Stolen Horse Trailers

Stolen horse trailers are rarely taken at random. Once stolen, they are commonly used in other crimes or altered in ways that make recovery difficult.

In many cases, trailers are quickly:

• Repainted or wrapped to change their appearance
• Stripped of identifying features, such as VIN plates, license plates, and decals
• Sold using falsified paperwork or moved across state lines within hours or days

Some stolen trailers are used for:

• Transporting stolen horses or livestock
• Hauling stolen tack, tools, and farm equipment
• Illegal dumping of debris or waste
• Unregulated or unsafe animal transport
• Temporary housing or storage for stolen property
• Mobile units for illicit activity, including theft operations or illegal sales
• Drug trafficking, using trailers to conceal and move illegal substances
• Human trafficking, exploiting enclosed trailers to transport victims undetected

Because horse trailers are versatile, durable, and often untracked, they are highly attractive to criminals. Once a trailer is altered or moved repeatedly, it becomes significantly harder for owners and law enforcement to identify and recover it.

How Stolen Horse International Helps

Stolen Horse International works with far more than missing horses. Our nonprofit assists owners and businesses affected by the theft of:

• Horse trailers
• Tack and saddles
• Carts, wagons, and training equipment
• Equine business inventory and tools
• Livestock-related vehicles and assets

Through coordinated alerts, nationwide exposure, case management, and collaboration with law enforcement, NetPosse helps bring attention to equine-related theft cases that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Prevention Tips for Trailer Owners

While no security measure is foolproof, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of trailer theft and increase the chances of recovery if a theft occurs.

Secure the Trailer

• Use high-quality hitch locks designed specifically for trailers
• Add wheel boots or tire clamps when the trailer is parked for extended periods
• Park trailers nose-in or blocked so they cannot be easily hitched and moved

Improve Visibility and Deterrence

• Install motion-activated lights and cameras near trailer parking areas
• Park in well-lit, visible locations whenever possible
• Use clearly visible warning signage indicating video surveillance or tracking

Mark and Document the Trailer

• Record the VIN, license plate number, and serial numbers
• Take clear photos of the trailer from all sides, including unique features
• Mark the trailer with permanent identifiers, such as microdots, engraving, or weld marks

Use Tracking and Technology

• Install GPS tracking devices, ideally concealed and battery-backed
• Consider multiple trackers in different locations on the trailer
• Use smart devices that alert you if the trailer is moved unexpectedly

Be Strategic About Storage

• Store trailers behind locked gates or inside secured buildings when possible
• Avoid leaving trailers unattended for long periods in public or unsecured areas
• Coordinate with neighbors or facility managers to report suspicious activity

Act Quickly if a Theft Occurs

• Report the theft to local law enforcement immediately
• Contact Stolen Horse International (NetPosse) as soon as possible to initiate alerts
• Share accurate information promptly—time is critical in the first hours after a theft

Keep Owner Paperwork and Practices

• Photograph every VIN location on your trailer
  • Keep copies of:
  • Title
  • Registration
  • Bill of sale
  • Insurance documents
• Store records both digitally and off-site
• Title and Registration
  • The VIN on the title should match the physical VIN on the trailer
  • Always verify before purchase
• Insurance Records
  • Insurance policies often list the trailer VIN
  • Helpful if physical plates are removed

If you have experienced the theft of a horse, trailer, or any equine-related equipment, or if you have information about a stolen equine asset, visit www.NetPosse.com  and contact our team.

Together, we stand watch for the entire equine community.

Link to Mom Forced To Restart Boutique Business After Trailer Theft